This bike mechanic turned sarpanch in Khammam aims to make his village a model

A bike mechanic was elected as sarpanch of Baswapuram gram panchayat in Khammam district

Khammam: From mending motorbikes to rural governance this 47 year old two-wheeler mechanic has come a long way in making his way into electoral politics.

The mechanic, Avula Narasimha Rao of Khammam has been in the profession for the past 25 years. He got elected as sarpanch of Baswapuram gram panchayat in Chintakani mandal in the district in the first phase GP elections held on December 11

---

He got elected as sarpanch in his first electoral fight. Communist Party of India (CPI) supported him in the election and it was a fourth consecutive victory for the party’s supporters and fifth one since the gram panchayat came into existence in 1995.

Speaking to Telangana Today Narasimha Rao said he would work as a servant of the people by identifying and addressing problems in the village. His mechanic shop in Khammam is now looked after by his workers as he takes care of the village issues.

Advice and suggestions from senior leaders of all parties and village elders would be taken to develop Baswapuram as a model village. He said soon after taking oath on December 22 he has identified some issues such as improving roads, drainages and sanitation.

Non-payment of Aasara pensions is a big issue and it needs attention. The Congress government promised to increase pensions to Rs 4000, if the government is unable to deliver it, at least the earlier pension of Rs 2000 should be paid, Narasihma Rao noted.

Khammam Two-wheeler Mechanics Association town president Vangala Kondal Rao expressing pleasure at Narasimha Rao getting elected as sarpanch said it is a good development that a person from unorganised labour sector made his way into politics.

It indicates that if given opportunities and encouragement bike mechanics could also prove their mettle in politics, Kondal Rao said adding that he would like to contest when elections are held to Khammam Municipal Corporation.

Besides Narasimha Rao, a bike mechanic, Palem Mahesh Goud got elected as sarpanch of Yepuru GP in Chityal mandal in Nalgonda district and another one in Choutuppal of Bhongir district, he informed.